Category | Formula One | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Constructor | Honda | ||||||||
Designer(s) | Yoshio Nakamura Shoichi Sano | ||||||||
Predecessor | RA271 | ||||||||
Successor | RA273 | ||||||||
Technical specifications[1] | |||||||||
Chassis | Aluminium monocoque | ||||||||
Suspension (front) | Double wishbone | ||||||||
Suspension (rear) | Double wishbone | ||||||||
Length | 3,950 mm | ||||||||
Width | 1,675 mm | ||||||||
Height | 793 mm | ||||||||
Wheelbase | 2,300 mm | ||||||||
Engine | Honda RA272E 1.5 L (92 cu in) V12 (60°) naturally aspirated, mid-engined, transversely mounted | ||||||||
Transmission | Honda 6 forward speeds + 1 reverse | ||||||||
Weight | 498 kg (1,098 lb) | ||||||||
Fuel | BP | ||||||||
Lubricants | BP | ||||||||
Tyres | Goodyear | ||||||||
Competition history | |||||||||
Notable drivers | Ronnie Bucknum Richie Ginther | ||||||||
Debut | 1965 Monaco Grand Prix | ||||||||
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The Honda RA272 was a Formula One racing car designed by Yoshio Nakamura and Shoichi Sano for the 1965 Formula One season. It was the first Japanese car to win in Formula One, achieving victory at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix after leading every lap with driver Richie Ginther. The win came just two years after Honda started producing road cars, and was the first of 89 victories for Honda-powered Formula One cars.
An evolution of the company's first car to enter Formula One, the previous year's RA271, the RA272 was noted for its technically advanced 1.5-litre V12 engine, designated the RA272E, which was the most powerful engine in the sport at the time.[2] Besides the win in Mexico, the car also managed to qualify in the top three in four of the eight races it entered.[3]